So I didn't get the new lexus RX-350...
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 366
Likes: 9
From: CA
To the original post:
I do agree some of your points. I believe the latest RX won't lead the luxury SUV sales like it used to be. Not the new RX is not a good car but others have catch up significantly. Driving the RX won’t get me excited, translation is “boring”. It serves its purpose well as a family SUV and I think more female will drive the RX than male.
I test drove a bunch SUVs priced $35K ~ $55k before I purchased a Mazda CX-9 three months ago. The CX-9 made the family SUV fun-to-drive for $41K and I ditched the RX350.
I do agree some of your points. I believe the latest RX won't lead the luxury SUV sales like it used to be. Not the new RX is not a good car but others have catch up significantly. Driving the RX won’t get me excited, translation is “boring”. It serves its purpose well as a family SUV and I think more female will drive the RX than male.
I test drove a bunch SUVs priced $35K ~ $55k before I purchased a Mazda CX-9 three months ago. The CX-9 made the family SUV fun-to-drive for $41K and I ditched the RX350.
Secondly, I looked at both the CX-7 and the CX-9. The 7 was VERY limited in its tow capacity (2000 lbs only!) and the CX-9 was too long for me (I live in an urban environment where parallel parking is a daily event).
So, while they may be attractive in some ways, they're just not suited, for various reasons, to me. So they're off the list.
I hope you enjoy the Mazda - I'm sure it's a capable vehicle.
Sandi
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 335
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From: CO
Funny you say that. In Phoenix I primarily see men driving the new RX than women. I bought the car for myself, looks more masculine than previous gen IMO. Wife has her 08 RX and loves the look.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 252
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From: None
The figures I saw was that the new RX had more male drivers than the last generation (which admittedly was primarily female). I've found it interesting to watch each RX I see now. A surprisingly large proportion are men. So that may be changing.
Secondly, I looked at both the CX-7 and the CX-9. The 7 was VERY limited in its tow capacity (2000 lbs only!) and the CX-9 was too long for me (I live in an urban environment where parallel parking is a daily event).
So, while they may be attractive in some ways, they're just not suited, for various reasons, to me. So they're off the list.
I hope you enjoy the Mazda - I'm sure it's a capable vehicle.
Sandi
Secondly, I looked at both the CX-7 and the CX-9. The 7 was VERY limited in its tow capacity (2000 lbs only!) and the CX-9 was too long for me (I live in an urban environment where parallel parking is a daily event).
So, while they may be attractive in some ways, they're just not suited, for various reasons, to me. So they're off the list.
I hope you enjoy the Mazda - I'm sure it's a capable vehicle.
Sandi
The image of RX being a female-friendly crossover have stuck, and if I detach myself from the daily driving experience, I can see how hard it can be for others to loose that association with 2010 RX.
Its by far not a perfect product, but its biggest challenge is finding its true identity. Both, by keeping the previous model owners interested, and by attracting those who enjoy more spirited driving and the latest techno-gadgets.
Its the most hottest segment, so competition is fierce (if 5 years ago, someone told me that Buick would make a killer SUV, I would have laughed outloud). Yet, still, somehow RX outsells the entire segment.
As for Mazdas, its funny. I like the specs on paper for CX-9, but talk about 'boring' looks? Plus, for 41k (vs 43k I paid for my RX), I 100% disagree CX-9 is a better pick, but that's just driving preferences and different priorities.
Advanced
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From: NC
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
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From: MA
A lot of people prefer a softer ride, thats why the RX out sells all other midsize luxury SUV. The 2010 RX I test drove handle better than our old RX330,but compare to the competition, it is not design for spirited driving. Not that there is anything wrong with that, because the RX350 excels in many other area.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 99
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From: NY
A lot of people prefer a softer ride, thats why the RX out sells all other midsize luxury SUV. The 2010 RX I test drove handle better than our old RX330,but compare to the competition, it is not design for spirited driving. Not that there is anything wrong with that, because the RX350 excels in many other area.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 252
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From: None
Couldn't say it better myself. Some of us aren't situated about have a sport car out of an suv. Just simply want comfortable, quiet and relaxing ride to the destination. Don't want to be man power a steering wheel or listening to exhaust on a 3 hr trip. Just want to be at the destination relaxed and ready to do business, and this is where Lexus excels. To me the sportier ride is a deterrent as long as the car isn't "mushy soft".
I find RX10 capable enough to fit my driving style, which I consider more aggressive than an average driver - something I found missing in all previous RX models I test-drove ('01, '05, '08). But I do not always drive it like the sky is falling. There are faster and more suited cars for that. I often do enjoy a quite ride from A to B, or on the long family trips. The point is RX10 does both relatively well. Plus, it offers advanced technology and traditional (argumentive) Lexus traits.
Last edited by data2009; Nov 3, 2009 at 11:31 PM.
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 697
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From: NC
Couldn't say it better myself. Some of us aren't situated about have a sport car out of an suv. Just simply want comfortable, quiet and relaxing ride to the destination. Don't want to be man power a steering wheel or listening to exhaust on a 3 hr trip. Just want to be at the destination relaxed and ready to do business, and this is where Lexus excels. To me the sportier ride is a deterrent as long as the car isn't "mushy soft".
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
I think Audi have a combination of handling and comfort. BMW is too stiff for me. The RX has a great ride and accelerate nicely on the highway, but as soon you make some high speed maneuvers, you know you are not in a BMW.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: CA
Cars are designed for different uses. I think the RX is great for long daily commutes, running errands, and long trips since it balances well a quiet, relaxing atmosphere and decent carrying capacity.
It isn't the best for an intense driving experience on winding mountain roads, but I don't do that very often. If that was a major focus for me, I'd get a second car for that and it would probably be a Mazda Miata, or if I was wealthy an Audi R8.
It isn't the best for an intense driving experience on winding mountain roads, but I don't do that very often. If that was a major focus for me, I'd get a second car for that and it would probably be a Mazda Miata, or if I was wealthy an Audi R8.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,499
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From: CA, Bay Area
I am simply saying, FOR ME, the 10 RX is a bit boring on the driving excitement. That alone made the RX a less desirable pick than the CX-9, FOR ME. The $41k for CX-9 is the MSRP; I assume $43k is the MSRP for your RX?
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 252
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From: None
You made some good point of view. And I really think the RX is a great luxury SUV and serves its purpose well.
I am simply saying, FOR ME, the 10 RX is a bit boring on the driving excitement. That alone made the RX a less desirable pick than the CX-9, FOR ME. The $41k for CX-9 is the MSRP; I assume $43k is the MSRP for your RX?
I am simply saying, FOR ME, the 10 RX is a bit boring on the driving excitement. That alone made the RX a less desirable pick than the CX-9, FOR ME. The $41k for CX-9 is the MSRP; I assume $43k is the MSRP for your RX?
Zoom-zoom!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: A better place
The 3rd gen RX has a double-wishbone rear suspension, which no generation of RX ever had before. Most reviews say the new RX handles quite nicely, including "high speed" maneuvers.